Peres to be No. 2 in rising Kadima

Wednesday, January 11, 2006 |

With Sharon hospitalized, the Kadima party is reshuffling its party list. Acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will remain at the top of the list followed by Shimon Peres and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, according to a deal worked out by the three late Tuesday night. Peres also requested to be a candidate for foreign minister, but he opted for the number two slot. Livni will likely be given the foreign minister post. Peres will be involved in diplomatic negotiations and projects advancing peace. New polls reveal that Kadima has gained a total of 44 seats in the Knesset, with Labor dropping to 16 and Likud to 13. Kadima’s next deadline is the submission of the entire party list by Feb. 7 to the Central Elections Committee. Others reported the possibility of Sharon remaining at the top of his party list if his condition continues to improve. (Photo: Poster showing Peres, saying "Forward, Peres")

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